Kia overseas retail sales of passenger cars and light trucks in September 2005 recorded 76,531 units, representing a 19.9 % year-on-year increase.
By region; sales in September 2005 grew by 44.0 % in Europe, 10.9 % in the general market, and 2.1 % in North America compared to the same period last year.
From January through September of this year, overseas retail sales jump to 619,242 units with 614,386 vehicles exported. This represents a year-on-year sales increase of 27.8 % and 19.1 % growth in exports.
Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets both in September as well as through the first three quarters of 2005 was the C-segment Cerato with 91,071 units sold this year so far. This was followed by the A-segment Picanto (88,160 units) and Sorento SUV (86,450 units).
Kia Motors Corporation ( www.kiamotors.com ) – one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 16 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 155 countries. Kia today has over 32,000 employees and annual revenues of $14 billion . It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
